Ecological functions of bioindicators in anthropogenic landscapes

Environmental changes under the influence of anthropogenic factors are shown. Ecosystems accumulate toxic substances. A list of plants accumulating heavy metals is given. Using plants as indicators of toxicity, contaminated sites are determined and methods for restoring soil fertility are applied. The doses of introducing zeolite-containing clays together with phytoindicators are justified. The greatest sorption capacity was shown by the ragweed plant. As sorbents for restoring the environment and improving soil fertility, plant wastes, such as corn cobs, sunflower heads, are used. The studies were conducted in various soils of the North Caucasus. Measures to reduce the toxic load on the ecosystem were theoretically and practically justified. The maximum amount of toxic substances accumulates in ragweed. Indicator plants can be widely used in the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and other chemicals.